Removable sash construction for windows



June l 1, 1968 M. J. NARDULLi 3,387,408

REMOVABLE SASH CONSTRUCTION FOR WINDOWS ATTORNEYS.

June 1l, 1968 M. J. NARDULLI REMOVABLE SASH CONSTRUCTION FOR WINDOWS 2 Sheets-Sheet .3

Filed Oct. 28, 1964 FIG. 7

FIG. 8

46, Tf FIG. 9

INVENTOR.' MICHAEL J. NARDULLI United States Patent O 3,387,468 REMVABLE SASH CGNSTIUC'IHN FOR WINDOWS Michael l'. Nardulli, 7959 W. Grand Ave., Elmwood' Park, Ill. 61529 Filed Oct. 28, 1964, Ser. No. 407,175 s Claims. (Cl. t9-446) My invention relates to windows of the double-hung type, and more particularly to those in which the sashes are counter-balanced by coil springs and yieldable laterally to free them for removal from the window frame. The standard practice in this type of installation is to suspend the counter-balancing spring from the top of the sash guide and engage the lower end of the spring with the bottom of the sash. The length and gauge of the spring are calculated for creating an upward force in the spring to offset the weight of the sash. Thus, where an inner sash receives a counter-balancing spring applied as stated, it is easy to raise the sash because of the assist received from the spring. However, in most instances some resistance is encountered in pulling the sash down, the reason for this being that the suspension of the spring from the top of the sash guide renders the force required for raising the sash unequal to that required for pulling it down. It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide vertically-adjustable means for setting the spring at a fractional level, so that the upward and downward forces exerted by the spring on the sash may be equalized.

In installations of the above type the spring for the inner sash, when properly designed and suspended from a calculated height, is safe from overstretching because the sash descends to a xed limit when closed. However, in order for the spring for the outer sash to have proper pressure, it must be made shorter than the spring for the inner sash. The reason for this is for the spring to procure sufficient upward pressure on the sash to hold it up when closed, since y screens for windows generally apply only to the lower half of the window, and an outer sash which is selflo'wering from the top would defeat the purpose of the screen. As the practice is not to expand a coil spring beyond double its length, it is a further object of the invention to provide an extension for the spring installation which will hold the lengthening of the outer sash spring at a point within the safe limit, so as to prevent the spring from being overstretched.

A spring-balanced inner sash is always stable when closed, because the sash rests on the window sill. However, where an outer sash is spring-supported, its closed or topmost positionand even a lowered position when the sash is opened may sag when the installation is jarred or the spring weakens from long use. It is therefore another object of the invention to provide the sash-supporting unit of the spring with means to lock it to the sash guide at its original height or at any point below the same, so that the unit will furnish a positive or fixed support for the sash instead of the yieldable one assumed by the spring, or free the sash of spring pressure when lowered in case the removal of the sash is desired.

Another object is to supplement the counter-balancing springs with fittings which are adjustable to adapt the springs to windows of different heights while maintaining the springs under proper tension.

A iinal object is to attain a highly eihcient window construction by means which are simple and do not detract in any manner from the appearance of the window.

A better understanding of the in-venton may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevation of the improved -window from the outside;

3,3%?,403 Patented .lune ll, i968 ICC FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical section on the line 2 2 of Fl'G. l with the window sashes indicated by dotted lines;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged horizontal section on the line 3 3 of FIG. 1, broken away intermediate its ends;

FIG. 4 is a more magniiied and fragmental perspective view ofthe showing in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged section on the line 5 5 of FIG. 4;

FG. 6 is a similar section on the line 6 6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a similar section on the line: 7 7 of FIG. 4, dotted lines showing the outer sash in the topmost position; i

FIG. 8 is a section on the line 8 8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a section on the line 9 9 of FIG. 5;

FiG. l0 is a section on the line 1tl 1t} of FIG. 7, showing a fragment of a window sash;

FIG. 11 is a vertical section of a spring tension device applied to a fragment of a window sash, as also indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 7; and

FIG. l2 is a perspective View of a clip forming part of the spring tension device.

While the invention is adaptable to metal window sashes, its more important application is to the wooden sashes almost universally used. However, the invention employs a metal vwindow frame in keeping with modern standards of efliciency and durability. Such a frame may be in complete form for installation in a new building; or it may be tted as a -filler or facing for wood frames in old buildings. Metal window frames are of aluminum; and specific reference to the drawings indicates one jamb of the improved frame at 15 and the sill at 16.

Reference to FIG. 4 indicates that the jamb 15 receives narrow inner and outer stops 15a and 15b for the inner and outer sashes 18 and 2d, respectively (see FIG. 3); and the jamb 15 has a center rib 21 which serves as the spacer between the sashes. To the extent described the jamb 1S is complete for installation at one side of the window. However, the jamb 17 at the other side is made with deeper stops 17a and 1717, and developed with features readily apparent in FIG. 4 for co-operation with sash improvements to accomplish the purposes of the invention.

Since window sashes are made with a channel 23 in their side edges named a plough in the window trades such channel is utilized in the improved window to receive means for guiding and counter-balancing the sashes 1S and Ztl. Thus, two pairs of angle strips 25 are extruded in the jamb 17 opposite the channels 23 of the window sashes and as llers for the same, serving with the opposite jamb rib 21 for the smooth vertical guidance of the sashes.

The angle strips 25 also serve pairs of channel-shaped housings, and have their iianges recessed near the top as seen at 25a in. FIG. 4 for the insertion of upper slide blocks 27 into the upper part of each housing, such an instalation appearing in FIG. 7. The blocks are made of nylon for easy sliding in the housing, and receive riveted metal cores 27a. Thumbscrews 28 are directed freely through washers 3i) inside the housing flanges to thread into the cores 27a. Each thumbscrew may thus be used for clamping the slide block to the related housing at any desired height.

FIG. 7 shows that each slide block 27 is extended downwardly with an eye 27!) for the upper end loop Ma of a long coil spring 31; and a second slide block 33 duplicating the slide block 27 is located in each housing at a lower point, the slide block 33 having an upwardly projecting eye 33a to receive the lower end-loop 31b of the coil spring 31, as shown in FIG. 6.

The slide block 33 of the inner housing 2,5 receives an angle plate 35 outside the housing entrance. such plate 3 being secured to the block by a screw 36. The plate 35 has a forward bend 35a at the bottom, such bend serving as a foot in relation to the inner sash 18. In other words, when the inner sash is in top position, it rests at one side on the foot 35a, as indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 6. The slight bias assumed by the sash by its weight as conned between the guides in the jambs-constitutes the foot 35a a sufficient support to maintain the sash at any height. Therefore, down-pressure on the sash 18 will be transmitted to the foot 35a and block 33 to draw on the spring 31. The sash will remain at any point to which it is lowered, or again raised, since the tension of the spring Will maintain the bias mentioned above and create a friction factor between the sash and the window jambs. It may now be mentioned that when the inner sash is in the topmost position the spring 31 will be at its original length-that is, fully closed-and therefore exert no intiuence on the sash. The latter will thus rest only lightly on the foot 35a, or not at all if it retains a suflicient bias to hold its position by friction in its guides.

The slide block 33 corresponding to the outer housing 25 receives an angle plate 42 with a top flange 42a extended to serve as a Ifoot, this arrangement being illustrated in FIG. 5, with dotted lines indicating the sash Ztl as supported on the foot 42a. In this instance the plate 42 is extended downwardly with a strip 42h, about two inches in length, which carries a thumbscrew 45 at its lower end directed through the entrance of the jamb housing to receive a nut 46. The thumbscrew may be used to clamp the strip 42b to the housing, so that the block 33 cannot slide in the same.

The Vertical movements of the sashes and controls for the same have been described so far. However, the sashes are also disposed for lateral movement away from the jamb 17 containing the sash counter-balancing mechanism; and FIG. indicates that a clearance 17C exists between the side edge of each sash and the jamb 17 to permit the sash to be moved toward the same. Normally, the sashes are maintained in the position shown in FIG. 10 by bow springs 50 lodged in the channels of the sashes which are opposite the jamb 17, as indicated by dotted Ilines in FIGS. 5 to 7. Each bow spring is attached to the sash by a screw 50a; and the crown of the spring carries a clip 52 of plastic substance to reduce friction by the bow springs with the jamb housing, see FIG. 10, as the sashes are operated.

When the inner sash is in the topmost position, and without pressure from the related spring 31, it may receive manual side pressure toward the jamb 17 until it clears the inner stop a of the jamb 15. The sash may now be swung away from the latter and drawn off the housing of the jamb 17 to be free of the window and taken away for cleaning or other attention, it being understood that enough leeway exists in the jamb 17 for the slight emerging angle assumed by the sash. Now, in order to remove the outer sash, it is drawn down to any desired point and the thumbscrew tightened. The Sash is now relieved of upward pressure by the spring 3l, and may be removed as in the previous instance. The extension strip 42h is provided to stop the outer sash from straining the spring 31 to an overstretching point. It is now apparent, with the foot 35a in the normal or relaxed position, and the foot 42a locked at a low point, that the restoration of the sashes into the window trame is a matter of simple reversal of the removing process described. It is apparent from FIG. 4 that a person lstanding inside the premises will exert the side pressure mentioned above toward the right in order to -free a sash at the left for withdrawal. However, the installation may be reversed to place the jamb 17 at the left as approached from the inside of the premises. In this case the side pressures will be exerted toward the left, and the right hand applied to the free edge of the sash for its withdrawal.

It is noted that the bow spring tor each sash is secured to the same near the bottom, as seen in FIG. 5. This enables the sash to be raised without the chance that a bow spring will meet a thumbscrew 28 as an impediment.

The practice has been, in counter-balancing a window sashes by means of coil springs, to attach the upper ends of the springs in the top region of the jambs. Since sashes vary in height according to the type of building in which the windows are installed, it has been necessary to cut the springs to measure for each installation where the sashes differed in height. Or, an assortment of springs of different lengths had to be kept in stock if they were to be furnished ready-made. This complication has been eliminated in the present case by making the upper fastening-the slide `blocks 27-for the springs adjustable vertically. This expedient allows the tension of the springs to be varied as required by merely adjusting the height of the blocks instead of changing to a longer or shorter spring. Therefore, keeping only two sizes of springs, in terms of length, will sutlice for general building requirements, eliminating the cutting of springs to size each window installing operation.

It will now be apparent that the improved window construction is compact and concealed from View, preserving the neat appearance of the window. In this respect even the foot engaging each sash from underneath could be concealed by recessing the bottom of the sash to seat the foot flushly. Further, the installation involves smooth aluminum jambs and sash clips of plastic substance, making easy to raise or lower the sashes. Further, the nylon material of the blocks enables their height to be adjusted with ease. Finally, the construction involves parts which are simple and of a nature to be produced at low cost.

While I have described the improved window construction along specic lines, various minor changes and refinements could be made therein without departing from its principle, and I reserve the right to employ all such changes and refinements as may fall within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a window installation, the combination with companion frame jambs presenting vertical guide means, sashes operable along the guide means, vertical spring in the latter opposite one of the sides of the sashes for counterbalancing the latter; of movable supports secured to the guide means and suspending the upper ends of the springs, blocks carrier by the lower ends of the springs with lateral projection engaging the sashes from underneath, and means for securing the supports at different heights.

2. In a double-hung window installation, the combination with jambs presenting a vertical guide, and an outer sash operable along the guide; of a vertical spring suspended with its upper end in the guide at a point opposite one side of the sash for counter-balancing the latter, a support extending from the lower end of the spring underneath the sash, the spring being of a length and gauge to adequately support the sash in its top position and reach a safe expansion limit before the sash is fully lowered, and means to check the expansion of the spring at such limit.

3. The structure of claim 2, the window having a sill, and said means comprising a downward extension of the support which meets the sill to establish said limit.

4. The structure of claim 2, the window having a sill, said means comprising a downward extension of the support which meets the sill to establish said limit, and other means carried by the extension securing it to the guide at any point in the vertical travel of the support.

5. The structure of claim 2, the window having a sill, said means comprising a downward extension of the support which meets the sill to establish said limit, said guide being a channel-shaped housing with inward entrance anges, a nut `behind the latter, and a thumbscrew directed from the extension into the housing to thread into the 5 6 nut for clamping the extension to the housing at any 3,060,526 10/ 1962 Nardulli 20--52 point in the vertical travel of the support. 3,114,178 12/ 1963 Wood 20-52.2

References Cited DAVID J. WILLIAMOWSKY, Primary Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 HARRISON R. MOSELEY, Examiner. 2,722,723 11/ 1955 Mears 20-52-4 A. I. BREIER, I. KARL BELL, Assistant Examiners 2,734,235 2/1956 Trammel 20-52.2 

1. IN A WINDOW INSTALLATION, THE COMBINATION WITH COMPANION FRAME JAMBS PRESENTING VERTICAL GUIDE MEANS, SASHES OPERABLE ALONG THE GUIDE MEANS, VERTICAL SPRING IN THE LATTER OPPOSITE ONE OF THE SIDES OF THE SASHES FOR COUNTERBALANCING THE LATTER; OF MOVABLE SUPPORTS SECURED TO THE GUIDE MEANS AND SUSPENDING THE UPPER ENDS OF THE SPRINGS, 